Mary Widdicks

On Parenting Perspective
The ancient behavioral theory I’m hoping will help me connect with my frustrated 4-year-old
By Mary Widdicks
December 26 at 9:00 AM

Have you ever contemplated the word “but” and why it exists in the English language? It’s a contradiction, a counterargument, and syntactically discounts everything preceding it. In a debate, it is a shorthand way of saying, “Everything you just said is wrong. Now listen to me.” Now try saying that to a toddler, and see what happens. Chances are, you just got pinched, shouted at or bitten. Children spend most of their days feeling powerless. When they don’t feel heard or validated, they get angry. They fight back.

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